Leeds United’s long-awaited return to the Premier League has reignited a familiar storyline — one that paints the club as a constant target of disproportionate scrutiny and punishment from football’s governing bodies. For many fans, it feels like history repeating itself: decisions, investigations, and fines that always seem harsher than those handed to other teams.

Daniel Farke’s side were left heartbroken after a narrow 2-1 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur at Elland Road on Saturday. Despite dominating large spells of the game and creating the better chances, Leeds were undone late on — and what should have been a discussion about football has instead been overshadowed by controversy.

Following Spurs’ second goal, a few objects were thrown from the stands — a brief incident that barely drew attention at the time. Yet, in the days since, it has been magnified into a major disciplinary issue. Former PGMOL chief Keith Hackett led the calls for punishment, insisting Leeds should face heavy sanctions and lifetime bans for those responsible.

The Football Association swiftly announced an investigation — a move that many fans feel is yet another example of Leeds being treated differently from others. Had this same minor flashpoint occurred elsewhere, they argue, it likely wouldn’t have sparked such a strong reaction.

If Tottenham’s players were genuinely unsettled by the incident, they’ve given no public indication beyond a passing comment from Pedro Porro on social media. Still, Leeds now face the prospect of another financial penalty, adding to their growing list of FA fines in recent years.

This perceived double standard is not new to the club. In 2023, Leeds were fined £150,000 and forced to submit an “action plan” after crowd disturbances — and were hit again later with a £40,000 penalty for a separate event. Supporters pointed out that similar or worse incidents at other clubs, such as Everton and West Ham, drew lighter or no sanctions at all. To many, it reinforced the belief that Leeds are an easy target for the authorities.

With Elland Road already among the most heavily policed and costly grounds to steward in the league, further fines feel to fans like punishment piled on top of expense.

And this isn’t just an FA issue — Leeds have long been on the receiving end of harsh treatment from football’s higher-ups. The infamous “Spygate” saga of 2019 still lingers in memory, when Marcelo Bielsa’s Leeds were hit with a staggering £200,000 fine for sending a staff member to observe Derby County’s training session. What was, at worst, a minor indiscretion was turned into a scandal, with the EFL introducing and enforcing a new rule seemingly tailor-made to punish Leeds.

For supporters, the message feels clear: whenever controversy arises, Leeds United are first in line for criticism and the toughest sanctions. And though the club is back in the top flight, the sense of being unfairly treated by the game’s authorities remains as strong as ever.